Windows Live Messenger is Turning 10

At 3 a.m. on a cool October night several years ago, I found myself stuck in the newsroom of the Angelo State University Ram Page awaiting the week's newspaper proofs to roll across my desk for editing. While waiting, editors Stacey Leigh, Lacy Jo and I passed the time coming up with funny stories with pictures using the Windows Live Messenger emoticons.

As Windows Live Messenger turns 10 this year, Microsoft's development team would love to hear stories like this and others about how their IM client has touched your life.

According to the Windows Live Messenger blog, they want your most personal stories and moments, whether funny, unexpected, emotional or totally sappy.

The best stories will be published in Windows Live Messenger marketing or public relations communications. Of course we will do that anonymously, only mentioning your first name and home country.

Submit all stories by June 28 to IloveMessenger@live.com. Submissions must be in English, and must include your first name and home country. Related photos can be included for possible inclusion in Microsoft's use of your story.

Windows Live Messenger celebrates its 10th anniversary on July 22.